Arsenal have included academy prospects Ceadach O’Neill and Maalik Hashi in their Champions League squad for Tuesday’s encounter with Lille at the Emirates Stadium.
According to Daily Mail journalist Isaan Khan, the two 18-year-olds have been selected for the senior squad as Arsenal prepare for their second European fixture of the season.
O’Neill operates primarily as a winger or attacking midfielder, while Hashi is a central midfielder who could provide additional cover for the first team.
Their inclusion comes as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces several injury concerns following Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Leeds United.
Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie both suffered ankle injuries during the post-match warm-down and have been ruled out of the Lille encounter.
Arteta confirmed on Monday that the pair would undergo further scans to establish the severity of their respective problems.
The absences have complicated Arsenal’s preparations, particularly in midfield, where Zubimendi has become an important option.
Hashi’s promotion could therefore provide Arteta with additional depth, although the teenager’s inclusion does not necessarily mean he will feature.
The midfielder is reportedly receiving his first senior call-up, marking an important milestone in his development at the club.
O’Neill, meanwhile, has previous experience of being involved with the first team after making the matchday squads for FA Cup fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Southampton last season.
However, the youngster is still awaiting his competitive senior debut, and Tuesday could represent his first involvement in a Champions League squad.
Both players were also omitted from Arsenal’s Under-19 squad for their UEFA Youth League meeting with Lille, further supporting reports of their senior promotions.
Arteta has demonstrated a willingness to involve promising academy players in recent seasons, with Max Dowman’s emergence providing another example of the opportunities available.
Arsenal’s growing injury list could create further openings for youngsters during a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
William Saliba remains unavailable despite returning to individual training, while Christos Tzolis is sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Nevertheless, Arsenal enter Tuesday’s encounter seeking to maintain their impressive Champions League form after defeating Napoli 1-0 in their opening league-phase fixture.
The Gunners have won 13 consecutive matches at this stage of the competition and will hope to extend that sequence against the French visitors.
For O’Neill and Hashi, involvement in the senior squad would offer valuable experience regardless of whether either player makes his debut.